Epidemiology of pelvic and acetabular trauma in a Dublin tertiary hospital: a 10-year experience

Abstract

Background

Pelvic fractures are usually the result of high-energy trauma and may have associated soft tissue and organ damage resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in these patients. Currently, there is little data from Ireland regarding these injuries.

Objective

To study the epidemiology of pelvic fractures presenting to a tertiary referral centre in Dublin.

Methods

Patients referred with a pelvic fracture were identified using the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry System (HIPE) from 1998 to 2008. The patient’s medical notes were reviewed for demographic data, type and mechanism of fracture and associated injuries.

Results

A total of 509 patients were identified over the 10-year period. 466 patients were included in the study. There was a significant male preponderance 76% (n = 354) as compared to females 24% (n = 112). Mean age was 36.5 years (range 16–83). Road traffic accidents (RTA) were the cause in 74% (n = 346) of the cases.

Conclusion

From our study, the typical patient profile is one of a male in his 30’s involved in an RTA requiring acetabular surgery. This is in accordance with previously published international data and highlights the need for specialised units, training in this subspecialty and allocation of resources.